Chapter 19: Basic Output Devices

OUTPUT TYPES AND DEVICES

Output is defined as data or information that is sent out of a computer system, program, or device. Output can take many forms, including electronic characters, numbers, symbols, signals, sounds, paper, and/or graphics.

Output is generally categorized into two main types: transient and final. Transient output is temporary output that is produced in the form of electronic signals or data moving from one location to the next, to be used for only a short period. An example of transient output is an electronic request from one device to another to carry out a specific function, such as an operating system sending a request or message to a printer to print. The request to print is temporary. Transient output can be in the form of information stored in RAM or a temporary swap file on a hard drive. It exists to serve a temporary purpose. In other words, transient output is output that is not stored or saved.

Final output is more permanent. It is data or information that can be saved, recorded, or physically held on to. Some examples of final output are a printed report, an image displayed on a video display monitor, a sound that comes from computer speakers, or a file stored in a permanent location, such as a hard drive, floppy disk, writable CD-ROM, or DVD.

An output device is any machine or peripheral device that is capable of producing information from binary data that it receives from the CPU. Typical output devices are printers, plotters, video displays, computer speakers, and synthesizers. To list all the various output devices available on the market is beyond the scope of this book. However, this chapter will prepare you well for the A+ Core Hardware exam topics that relate to output devices and their functions.